The current Wimberley Valley Art League show was juried by Rachel Koper, Program Director of Women & Their Work. Here is part of her Juror Statement:
"The 1st place prize is for Connie Schaertl's 'Easter Posies.' This group of women dressed in fancy antique clothes charmed me. I was struck by the relaxed and intimate posture of the figures and the ability to convey
a general cheerfulness and camaraderie. I mention that at one point I pulled three works by Schaertl aside to consider them all for prizes. I particularly like the 'slice of life' aspect of her work. She paints subjects like cooks in a restaurant, a man sitting in the sun - perhaps on a lunch break. She captures these nice moments without a need to paint exotic locations or subjects. There is a terrific consistency to her work."
Actually, the settings for two of the four paintings were France, maybe not "exotic" but certainly representing a step out of ordinary life for me. The other two paintings came from events in East Austin, and represent very pleasurable times much closer to home. I thank the lovely ladies who had so picturesquely arranged themselves on a bench at the annual Easter Picnic/Potluck at Angel & Colin's. They were true "Easter Posies!"
FIRST PLACE: "Easter Posies"
HONORABLE MENTION: "Kitchen Choreographer"
"Soaking Up the Autumn Sun"
"Passage"
